#Long-term psychological effects

[all-about-parenting]

The Hidden Trauma: How Parental Abandonment Shapes Children's Lives

Parental abandonment can be a devastating experience for children, leaving deep emotional and psychological scars that may persist into adulthood. When a parent walks away, whether physically or emotionally, the child is left to cope with a range of complex feelings and challenges. This blog explores the profound impact of parental abandonment on children and offers insights into the ways it can shape their lives.

Understanding Parental Abandonment

Parental abandonment occurs when a parent intentionally leaves their child without adequate care, support, or communication. This can happen due to various reasons, including separation, divorce, substance abuse, or personal choice. Regardless of the cause, the absence of a parent creates a void in a child's life that can lead to significant emotional turmoil.

Emotional Impact

Children who experience parental abandonment often struggle with feelings of rejection and unworthiness. The absence of a parent can lead them to internalize the idea that they are not lovable or valuable. This can manifest as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. The impact of parental abandonment on children is profound, as it can affect their ability to form healthy relationships and trust others.

Behavioral Consequences

Abandonment can also lead to behavioral issues. Children may act out as a way to express their pain and confusion. They might engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or delinquency, as a form of escapism or to gain attention. Additionally, they may have difficulty following rules and maintaining stable relationships, both of which can hinder their development and future prospects.

Academic and Social Challenges

The emotional and behavioral effects of parental abandonment often extend to academic performance and social interactions. Children who feel abandoned may struggle to concentrate in school, leading to poor academic outcomes. They may also have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, as trust and stability have been disrupted in their lives. The lack of parental guidance and support can further exacerbate these issues, making it harder for them to navigate social situations.

Long-Term Psychological Effects

The impact of parental abandonment on children can have long-term psychological effects. As they grow into adulthood, individuals who experienced abandonment may have difficulties with intimacy and commitment in relationships. They may also struggle with ongoing feelings of inadequacy and fear of abandonment. Therapy and counseling can help address these deep-seated issues, but the healing process can be lengthy and challenging.

Coping Mechanisms and Resilience

Despite the significant challenges posed by parental abandonment, many children develop resilience and find ways to cope with their experiences. Supportive relationships with other family members, friends, or mentors can provide the stability and love that was missing from the absent parent. Engaging in positive activities, such as sports, arts, or community service, can also help children build confidence and self-worth.

Conclusion

The impact of parental abandonment on children is a complex and multifaceted issue that can have lasting consequences. From emotional and behavioral struggles to academic and social challenges, the absence of a parent leaves a profound mark on a child's life. However, with the right support and coping mechanisms, children can overcome these challenges and lead fulfilling lives. It's crucial for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals to understand and address the unique needs of these children to help them heal and thrive.

[vaguely-concerned]

one of the things mourn watch rook has the most comments about/seems pretty knowledgeable about when they're there is the way the necropolis will just shuffle rooms around every now and then on a whim, so I'm headcanoning that rye's previous area of expertise, outside of general watcher duties, was keeping track of and rediscovering these lost or displaced areas. that, and basically acting as a sort of tour guide when need be, such as on the day they met varric.

'have we really misplaced the ashen cathedral again? *sigh* that's the third time this year, we really must strengthen the wards. oh well. someone send for ingellvar, they'll track it down in no time I'm sure. and it might keep them out of trouble for a while'

[kittykatninja321]

Constantly thinking about this quote and how not wrong it is like..

[catominor]

wails.... lfc....... im thinkig about himso much. like yes he sucks but he's also been through a lot... it's like. he doesn't really have much of a framework to fit his limitations into; his whole life has been basically pushing himself into roles he isn't fit for, and performing a certain kind of life, because he sees no alternative way to live, because of the values that were instilled into him and which he now holds and guards. so he ends up taking out his stress and frustration that he can't really name onto the people in his household who can't push back on it because he has authority over them.

[tekras-iszovh]

"= come to my reward universe where keep inventory is turned on (not real) and you can press respawn when you die (kind of real. more of a timer) ="

[lover-of-mine]

ever watch a show and think to yourself "well damn that person is gonna need so much therapy"?

[drdemonprince]

The data does not support the assumption that all burned out people can “recover.” And when we fully appreciate what burnout signals in the body, and where it comes from on a social, economic, and psychological level, it should become clear to us that there’s nothing beneficial in returning to an unsustainable status quo. 

The term “burned out” is sometimes used to simply mean “stressed” or “tired,” and many organizations benefit from framing the condition in such light terms. Short-term, casual burnout (like you might get after one particularly stressful work deadline, or following final exams) has a positive prognosis: within three months of enjoying a reduced workload and increased time for rest and leisure, 80% of mildly burned-out workers are able to make a full return to their jobs. 

But there’s a lot of unanswered questions lurking behind this happy statistic. For instance, how many workers in this economy actually have the ability to take three months off work to focus on burnout recovery? What happens if a mildly burnt-out person does not get that rest, and has to keep toiling away as more deadlines pile up? And what is the point of returning to work if the job is going to remain as grueling and uncontrollable as it was when it first burned the worker out? 

Burnout that is not treated swiftly can become far more severe. Clinical psychologist and burnout expert Arno van Dam writes that when left unattended (or forcibly pushed through), mild burnout can metastasize into clinical burnout, which the International Classification of Diseases defines as feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance, and a reduced sense of personal agency. Clinically burned-out people are not only tired, they also feel detached from other people and no longer in control of their lives, in other words.

Unfortunately, clinical burnout has quite a dismal trajectory. Multiple studies by van Dam and others have found that clinical burnout sufferers may require a year or more of rest following treatment before they can feel better, and that some of burnout’s lingering effects don’t go away easily, if at all. 

In one study conducted by Anita Eskildsen, for example, burnout sufferers continued to show memory and processing speed declines one year after burnout. Their cognitive processing skills improved slightly since seeking treatment, but the experience of having been burnt out had still left them operating significantly below their non-burned-out peers or their prior self, with no signs of bouncing back. 

It took two years for subjects in one of van Dam’s studies to return to “normal” levels of involvement and competence at work. following an incident of clinical burnout. However, even after a multi-year recovery period they still performed worse than the non-burned-out control group on a cognitive task designed to test their planning and preparation abilities. Though they no longer qualified as clinically burned out, former burnout sufferers still reported greater exhaustion, fatigue, depression, and distress than controls.

In his review of the scientific literature, van Dam reports that anywhere from 25% to 50% of clinical burnout sufferers do not make a full recovery even four years after their illness. Studies generally find that burnout sufferers make most of their mental and physical health gains in the first year after treatment, but continue to underperform on neuropsychological tests for many years afterward, compared to control subjects who were never burned out. 

People who have experienced burnout report worse memories, slower reaction times, less attentiveness, lower motivation, greater exhaustion, reduced work capability, and more negative health symptoms, long after their period of overwork has stopped. It’s as if burnout sufferers have fallen off their previous life trajectory, and cannot ever climb fully back up. 

And that’s just among the people who receive some kind of treatment for their burnout and have the opportunity to rest. I found one study that followed burned-out teachers for seven years and reported over 14% of them remained highly burnt-out the entire time. These teachers continued feeling depersonalized, emotionally drained, ineffective, dizzy, sick to their stomachs, and desperate to leave their jobs for the better part of a decade. But they kept working in spite of it (or more likely, from a lack of other options), lowering their odds of ever healing all the while. 

Van Dam observes that clinical burnout patients tend to suffer from an excess of perseverance, rather than the opposite: “Patients with clinical burnout…report that they ignored stress symptoms for several years,” he writes. “Living a stressful life was a normal condition for them. Some were not even aware of the stressfulness of their lives, until they collapsed.”

Instead of seeking help for workplace problems or reducing their workload, as most people do, clinical burnout sufferers typically push themselves through unpleasant circumstances and avoid asking for help. They’re also less likely to give up when placed under frustrating circumstances, instead throttling the gas in hopes that their problems can be fixed with extra effort. They become hyperactive, unable to rest or enjoy holidays, their bodies wired to treat work as the solution to every problem. It is only after living at this unrelenting pace for years that they tumble into severe burnout. 

Among both masked Autistics and overworked employees, the people most likely to reach catastrophic, body-breaking levels of burnout are the people most primed to ignore their own physical boundaries for as long as possible. Clinical burnout sufferers work far past the point that virtually anyone else would ask for help, take a break, or stop caring about their work.

And when viewed from this perspective, we can see burnout as the saving grace of the compulsive workaholic — and the path to liberation for the masked disabled person who has nearly killed themselves trying to pass as a diligent worker bee. 

I wrote about the latest data on burnout "recovery," and the similarities and differences between Autistic burnout and conventional clinical burnout. The full piece is free to read or have narrated to you in the Substack app at drdevonprice.substack.com

[hairtransplant-stories]

Long Term Side Effects of Hair Transplant

Hair transplants have become increasingly popular over the years as a solution for hair loss. While the procedure promises to restore hair and confidence, it’s essential to understand the potential long-term side effects of hair transplant that may arise. Let’s delve into what you should know about these effects and how to manage them. 

What is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to the balding or thinning area (the recipient site). This procedure is typically performed on the scalp but can also be done on other parts of the body.

Types of Hair Transplant Procedures

There are two primary methods of hair transplantation: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUT involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area, while FUE involves harvesting individual hair follicles directly from the scalp.

Short-Term Side Effects of Hair Transplants

While short-term side effects such as pain, swelling, and itching are common after a hair transplant, they usually subside within a few weeks. However, it’s the long-term effects that patients should be aware of.

Long-Term Side Effects of Hair Transplants

Risk of infection

One of the most significant long-term risks associated with hair transplants is the potential for infection. Although rare, infections can occur weeks or even months after the procedure, leading to complications and affecting the overall outcome of the transplant.

Scarring

Scarring is another concern with hair transplants, particularly with the FUT method. The linear scar left behind from the donor area may be visible if the hair is cut short, causing aesthetic concerns for some patients.

Hair loss shock

Some patients may experience a phenomenon known as “shock loss,” where the transplanted hair falls out temporarily before regrowing. While this is a normal part of the healing process, it can be alarming for patients who are unaware of this possibility.

Complications from Anesthesia

Like any surgical procedure, hair transplants carry risks associated with anesthesia, including allergic reactions and adverse side effects. While rare, these complications can have long-lasting effects on the patient’s health.

Psychological Effects

In addition to physical side effects, hair transplants can also have psychological implications for patients.

Emotional Impact

Hair loss can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. While a successful hair transplant can boost self-confidence, unsuccessful outcomes or complications may exacerbate feelings of insecurity and dissatisfaction.

Body Image Concerns

Some patients may develop body image concerns following a hair transplant, especially if they are dissatisfied with the results or experience noticeable scarring. These concerns can affect various aspects of their lives, including relationships and career opportunities.

Depression and Anxiety

For some individuals, the stress of undergoing a hair transplant and the pressure to achieve desired results can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. It’s essential for patients to prioritize their mental health throughout the process.

Managing Long-Term Side Effects

While long-term side effects of hair transplants are a concern, there are steps patients can take to minimize their risk and manage any complications that arise.

Proper Aftercare

Following the post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon is crucial for reducing the risk of infection and promoting proper healing. This includes keeping the scalp clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed medications as directed.

Consultation with a Dermatologist

If patients experience any concerning symptoms or complications after a hair transplant, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. A dermatologist or hair restoration specialist can evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate treatments to address any issues.

Potential Treatments

In some cases, additional treatments or procedures may be necessary to address long-term side effects of hair transplants, such as scar revision surgery or medication for infection. Patients should discuss their concerns and treatment options with their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

While hair transplants can be an effective solution for hair loss, it’s essential for patients to be aware of the potential long-term side effects associated with the procedure. By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to manage them, patients can achieve successful outcomes and maintain their overall well-being.

[unplugwell]

Psychologists Weigh In: The Long-Term Effects of Screen Overuse

Psychologists discuss the long-term effects of screen overuse on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, offering insights and solutions for a balanced digital life.

Check out our article here: https://unplugwell.com/long-term-effects-of-screen-overuse/

[lovebugsins]

Damn girl. Ain't many like you around anymore

♉️

🤷‍♀️ just a simple case of nobody wanted me in high school and I was only 19 when lockdown happened so I didn't even get a normal uni experience

[phagodyke]

venting sorry... don't want to just delete it bc it helps to get it out just ignore this post pls 👍

haven't slept much at all and feeling so sick andstressed and in pain bc my period is due and so tired its making me dizzy but i cant sleep more or ill just feel more sick and I want a hug and to cry so hard into someones shoulder but no one cares or will even come near me it makes me feel diseased they think things about me that aren't true bc I struggle so much to communicate and thry all make assumptions insteqd and no one wants to give me space to talk to them about it so I cant undo that now and its all my fault and I'm so. exhausted :-(

[llamasgotoheaven]

People have this weird tendency due to social media recommending fear mongering content lately, to assume that anybody who's an asshole or engages in toxic or abusive behavior is some sort of an intentional evil mastermind. Bruh, most pathological behaviors are literally just people being asinine donkey fools or ignorant.

Example: gaslighting can be sort of reminiscent of lying due to shame in a sort of panic, but lying due to shame over a mistake you made because you can't own up to your fuckups is not gaslighting.... It's lying.

Gaslighting is a pre-meditated, or malign decision to disable someone and confuse them, making them less able to trust their own decision making and perception, leaving them vulnerable to control, abuse and exploitation. It's rooted in evil, it's a way to humiliate, dominate, control and subdue someone.

this is literally not how it works at ALL this is what i mean when i say words are supposed to mean things

[all-about-parenting]

The Impact of Parental Abandonment on Children: Understanding the Long-Term Effects

Parental abandonment is a traumatic event that can profoundly affect a child's emotional and psychological well-being. The absence of a parent, whether due to physical departure, emotional unavailability, or outright neglect, leaves a lasting impression on a child's development. Understanding the impact of parental abandonment on children is crucial for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals who support affected individuals. This blog explores the far-reaching effects of parental abandonment and offers insights into helping children cope and heal.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Attachment Issues:

Children who experience parental abandonment often struggle with forming secure attachments. This can lead to difficulties in trusting others and establishing healthy relationships in the future.

Low Self-Esteem:

Abandonment can lead to feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt. Children may internalize the abandonment, believing it was their fault or that they are inherently unlovable.

Anxiety and Depression:

The uncertainty and loss associated with abandonment can trigger anxiety and depression. Children may exhibit symptoms such as withdrawal, excessive worry, sadness, and irritability.

Anger and Behavioral Issues:

Feelings of anger and frustration are common. Some children might express these emotions through aggressive behavior or acting out in school and social settings.

Social and Academic Consequences

Social Isolation:

Abandoned children may struggle with social interactions, leading to isolation and difficulty making friends. They might feel different from their peers who have intact family structures.

Academic Challenges:

Emotional turmoil can impact cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in concentration, motivation, and academic performance. These children might struggle to keep up with their schoolwork or show a lack of interest in learning.

Risk-Taking Behavior:

In an attempt to cope with their emotions, some children might engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse, delinquency, or premature sexual activity.

Long-Term Effects

Chronic Insecurity:

The fear of being abandoned again can persist into adulthood, affecting personal and professional relationships. This chronic insecurity can hinder the ability to fully engage in life and pursue opportunities.

Interpersonal Difficulties:

Adults who were abandoned as children may find it challenging to trust and commit in relationships. They might have an increased likelihood of experiencing relationship instability and divorce.

Mental Health Disorders:

Long-term exposure to the trauma of abandonment can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders such as chronic depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Coping and Healing Strategies

Therapeutic Interventions:

Counseling and therapy can help children process their emotions and experiences. Therapists can provide tools and strategies to build self-esteem, manage anxiety, and develop healthy relationships.

Supportive Relationships:

Building strong, positive relationships with other family members, friends, or mentors can provide the emotional support and stability that abandoned children need.

Consistent Routines:

Establishing predictable routines and a stable environment can help mitigate some of the insecurity and instability caused by abandonment.

Encouragement and Validation:

Regularly validating a child's feelings and experiences, and encouraging their strengths and achievements, can help rebuild their self-esteem and sense of worth.

Conclusion

The impact of parental abandonment on children is profound and multifaceted, affecting their emotional, social, and academic development. Recognizing the signs and providing appropriate support is essential in helping these children navigate their challenges and build a healthier future. Through therapeutic interventions, supportive relationships, and consistent care, we can help mitigate the adverse effects and foster resilience in children who have faced the pain of abandonment.

Understanding and addressing the impact of parental abandonment on children is not only crucial for their immediate well-being but also for their long-term development and success. By offering compassion, stability, and professional support, we can make a significant difference in their lives.

[surinderbhalla]

Understanding Stress- 6 Alarming Side Effects

Stress has become a widespread challenge in today’s fast-paced world, affecting millions globally. However, the full extent of stress’s impact on the body is often underestimated. Stress doesn’t just frazzle your nerves; it also disrupts both your physical and mental health, leading to conditions ranging from inflammation and cardiovascular disease to anxiety and depression. Understanding Stress-…

[pilmyeol]

these results are killing me. how many of you actually read the saviors time…

[infiniteglitterfall]

know someone who enjoys horror stories? share this one! it's true!

hahahahahahahahahaha aarrggghhhhhhhhhh 3,000,000 deaths due to COVID-19 last year. Globally. Three million. Case rates higher than 90% of the rest of the pandemic. The reason people are still worried about COVID is because it has a way of quietly fucking up your body. And the risk is cumulative.

I'm going to say that again: the risk is cumulative.

It's not just that a lot of people get bad long-term effects from it. One in seven or so? Enough that it's kind of the Russian Roulette of diseases. It's also that the more times you get it, the higher that risk becomes. Like if each time you survived Russian Roulette, the empty chamber was removed from the gun entirely. The worst part is that, psychologically, we have the absolute opposite reaction. If we survive something with no ill effects, we assume it's pretty safe. It is really, really hard to override that sense of, "Ok, well, I got it and now I probably have a lot of immunity and also it wasn't that bad." It is not a respiratory disease. Airborne, yes. Respiratory disease, no: not a cold, not a flu, not RSV.

Like measles (or maybe chickenpox?), it starts with respiratory symptoms. And then it moves to other parts of your body. It seems to target the lungs, the digestive system, the heart, and the brain the most.

It also hits the immune system really hard - a lot of people are suddenly more susceptible to completely unrelated viruses. People get brain fog, migraines, forget things they used to know.

(I really, really hate that it can cross the blood-brain barrier. NOTHING SHOULD EVER CROSS THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER IT IS THERE FOR A REASON.) Anecdotal examples of this shit are horrifying. I've seen people talk about coworkers who've had COVID five or more times, and now their work... just often doesn't make sense? They send emails that say things like, "Sorry, I didn't mean Los Angeles, I meant Los Angeles."

Or they insist they've never heard of some project that they were actually in charge of a year or two before.

Or their work is just kind of falling apart, and they don't seem to be aware of it.

People talk about how they don't want to get the person in trouble, so their team just works around it. Or they describe neighbors and relatives who had COVID repeatedly, were nearly hospitalized, talked about how incredibly sick they felt at the time... and now swear they've only had it once and it wasn't bad, they barely even noticed it.

(As someone who lived with severe dissociation for most of my life, this is a genuinely terrifying idea to me. I've already spent my whole life being like, "but what if I told them that already? but what if I did do that? what if that did happen to me and I just don't remember?") One of its known effects in the brain is to increase impulsivity and risk-taking, which is real fucking convenient honestly. What a fantastic fucking mutation. So happy for it on that one. Yes, please make it seem less important to wear a mask and get vaccinated. I'm not screaming internally at all now.

I saw a tweet from someone last year whose family hadn't had COVID yet, who were still masking in public, including school.

She said that her son was no kind of an athlete. Solidly bottom middle of the pack in gym.

And suddenly, this year, he was absolutely blowing past all the other kids who had to run the mile. He wasn't running any faster. His times weren't fantastic or anything. It's just that the rest of the kids were worse than him now. For some reason. I think about that a lot. (Like my incredibly active six-year-old getting a cold, and suddenly developing post-viral asthma that looked like pneumonia.

He went back to school the day before yesterday, after being home for a month and using preventative inhalers for almost week.

He told me that it was GREAT - except that he couldn't run as much at recess, because he immediately got really tired. Like how I went outside with him to do some yard work and felt like my body couldn't figure out how to increase breathing and heart rate.

I wasn't physically out of breath, but I felt like I was out of breath. That COVID feeling people describe, of "I'm not getting enough air." Except that I didn't have that problem when I had COVID.) Some people don't observe any long (or medium) term side effects after they have it.

But researchers have found viral reservoirs of COVID-19 in everyone they've studied who had it.

It just seems to hang out, dormant, for... well, longer than we've had an opportunity to observe it, so far.

(I definitely watched that literal horror movie. I think that's an entire genre. The alien dormant under ice in the Arctic.)

(oh hey I don't like that either!!!!!!!!!) All of which is to explain why we should still care about avoiding it, and how it manages to still cause excess deaths. Measuring excess deaths has been a standard tool in public health for a long time.

We know how many people usually die from all different causes, every year. So we can tell if, for example, deaths from heart disease have gone way up in the past three years, and look for reasons. Those are excess deaths: deaths that, four years ago, would not have happened. During the pandemic, excess death rates have been a really important tool. For all sorts of reasons. Like, sometimes people die from COVID without ever getting tested, and the official cause is listed as something else because nobody knows they had COVID. But also, people are dying from cardiovascular illness much younger now.

People are having strokes and heart attacks younger, and more often, than they did before the pandemic started. COVID causes a lot of problems. And some of those problems kill people. And some of them make it easier for other things to kill us. Lung damage from COVID leading to lungs collapsing, or to pneumonia, or to a pulmonary embolism, for example. The Economist built a machine-learning model with a 95% confidence interval that gauges excess death statistics around the world, to tell them what the true toll of the ongoing COVID pandemic has been so far.

Total excess deaths globally in 2023: Three million.

3,000,000.

Official COVID-19 deaths globally so far: Seven million. 7,000,000. Total excess deaths during COVID so far: Thirty-five point two million. 35,200,000.

Five times as many.

That's bad. I don't like that at all. I'm glad last year was less than a tenth of that. I'm not particularly confident about that continuing, though, because last year we started a period of really high COVID transmission. Case rates higher than 90% of the rest of the pandemic. Here's their data, and charts you can play with, and links to detailed information on how they did all of this:

Here's a non-paywalled link to it:

https://archive.vn/2024.01.26-012536/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/coronavirus-excess-deaths-estimates

Oh: here's a link to where you can buy comfy, effective N95 masks in all sizes:

Those ones are about a buck each after shipping - about $30 for a box of 30. They also have sample packs for a dollar, so you can try a couple of different sizes and styles.

You can wear an N95 mask for about 40 total hours before the effectiveness really drops, so that's like a dollar for a week of wear.

They're also family-owned and have cat-shaped masks and I really love them. These ones are cuter and in a much wider range of colors, prints, and styles, but they're also more expensive; they range from $1.80 to $3 for a mask. ($18-$30 for a box of ten.)